By Karen A. Soukiasian
At first, you notice more grey around their muzzle. The eyes have lost that sparkle and appear to have sunk a bit deeper.
For most owners, the process begins with their dog appearing less interested in the activities they once thrived on. They are no longer interested in chasing a ball or Frisbee for what seemed to you, like hours! They hesitate before jumping into or out of the car. It takes a little longer for them to get to you when called.
Basic routines are becoming more strenuous. They have to go out more often or have “accidents” in the house. Walks are slower and shorter. They may begin to limp more. They get out of breath quicker. Their breathing, even when resting, is more labored. They are more prone to injuries.
You notice they now eat to live, rather than how they were jokingly known to live to eat. They have lost their taste for certain foods.
They appear to have lost their “sense of humor.” Some are less tolerant of other animals and children. They growl or retreat to a private space more often. They appear depressed.
There are a number of easy and inexpensive ways to help your dog pass through this critical stage of their life, with less pain and more dignity. They include:
First, take them to your veterinarian for a checkup and assessment of their current condition. Your vet may recommend supplements that will help relieve pain.
Get a ramp, so they can get into and out of the car on their own.
Raise their food and water bowl, so they do not have to bend down to far to eat or drink comfortably.
Change their diet. Their sense of smell may no longer be as keen. This often makes food seem less appealing or palatable.
If they are having problems with their teeth, switch to smaller kibbles or softer food.
Feed less, but more often.
Soak their food in salt-free broths.
If you allow your dog on the sofa or bed, there are “stairs” available in pet stores and online, to help them get up and down, without causing pain.
Get them a softer bed. Tile and wood floors are tough on their old bone.
Keep physically stressful activities short, but interesting and fun.
Have a short new adventure together every now and them. Go someplace different! Try something different. Many dog owners have found, the canine social interaction from joining a dog training class often piques their dog’s interest in life again.
Take them out more often. Give them more time to take care of “business.”
If they are losing their hearing, get a whistle, to get their attention.
If their vision is failing, they may be nervous about going outside alone in the dark. Keep them company…light up the yard, or carry a flashlight.
Be tolerant of “accidents.” They may not have the bladder or bowel control they once had. Don’t expect them to be able to “hold it” as long as they once could.
Keep the walks short, but do it more often.
Give them a private place to retreat to…and respect it.
If there are other dogs in the house, do not tolerate bullying. It often happens as a senior alpha dog transitions to a lower pack status.
Massage your dog, or have them professionally massaged. It makes a huge difference!
Be patient if they appear “needy.” They cannot explain it to you, but something physical may be happening, and they feel safer with you.
Expect less from them. Appreciate and praise any efforts they make. Positive reinforcement is an amazing motivator!
Bottom line: Your dog may no longer be what they once were. Nonetheless, that doesn’t change how much they love, respect, and need you. Make this ultimate stage of their life as vital as possible. Give them the dignity they have earned and deserve. You owe it to them.
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A tri-fold inexpensive lawn chair , still folded up, with its legs out makes a good dog ramp – mine is at car floor board height.
Extra non-slip rugs at main pathways and stair landings give better footing.
I have a 9.5 yr old terrier that seems to be exhibiting a lot of these aging signs in the past 6 months. I wasn’t prepared for this as 9 yrs old isn’t ‘old’ for a dog with a lifespan of 15-18 yrs old on averge. This article provides some excellent suggestions that I hadn’t thought of. Thank you Karen.
I have 2 senior dogs–12 & 14. At 14 Zephyr has become terrified of driving in the car, so we have to stay close to home. He actually doesn’t like new surroundings too much. I think he gets confused. We walk twice a day, shorter. There’s a lot of sniffing & peeing, but not as much walking.
All good advice above. The most important part is just spending time with them & reassuring them it’s all ok. xo
Thanks for the article and helpful hints. My little guy will be going on 11 yrs old and yes he has gotten the grey hairs, lost a little luster and not quite as tolerant of the other companions but he has gotten “very” vocal in his senior years too. And for all who are facing the bladder issues, we have the Wiki Wags Disposable Male Dog Wraps that are a life saver when they lose control. Thanks for the article.
We moved to a single level homes when one of our dogs got older. A smaller single level home with 2 fenced acres for exercise was a good trade off for my dogs, and I like the space as well. I find that when given free access to the property the dogs will explore and just move around much more.
I am happy to be involved with a company that has produced a first of it’s kind of supplement for canines that focuses on reducing oxidative stress in our dogs. Oxidative stress is linked to aging and 200 diseases. If you would like help your dog with aging and the diseases associated with aging, send me a message and I can assist you or send you additional information. This product is all natural, made of 5 herbs that work strongly together and naturally reduce inflammation and oxidative stress by 40% in 30 days. This supplement helps with problems associated with aging such as social interaction, loss of house training, sleep disturbance, decreased mobility, cognitive function. It supports the brain, skin, eye functions, joint function, mobility and flexibility.